Carlos Rodon. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
The New York Yankees were able to add Carlos Rodon to their starting rotation. Here’s what a dream rotation could look like for the team.
The New York Yankees retained superstar outfielder Aaron Judge on a nine-year, $360 million contract. After the signing, Judge informed the Yankees that he would like to see some improvements made to the team. One name that they’ve been linked to for quite some time is former San Francisco Giants and Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Carlos Rodon.
After days of waiting, Yankees fans were welcomed by the news on Thursday night that the team and Rodon have agreed to terms on a six-year, $162 million contract.
New York’s starting rotation was a strength last season, but they have made it even better with the addition of Rodon. Let’s take a look at what the rotation looks like currently, as well as a potential dream rotation after the 2023 trade deadline.
Yankees current rotation with Carlos Rodon
Yankees fans, this is what you’ve been waiting for. Here’s what the rotation looks like now after the news of Rodon’s signing:
- Gerrit Cole
- Nestor Cortes
- Carlos Rodon
- Luis Severino
- Frankie Montas
Realistically, Rodon will fill in either the No. 2 or 3 spot in the rotation. Cole holds the top spot, and there’s no disputing that. But a top three consisting of Cole, Rodon and Nestor Cortes is really good.
Cortes is coming off of an impressive 2022 campaign, posting a 2.44 ERA, a 0.922 WHIP, 163 strikeouts, and 38 walks in 158.1 innings (28 starts).
The Yankees are in a more favorable position, as they won’t have to bank on Luis Severino as much as they have in the past. He had been the No. 3 starter, but he dealt with numerous injuries in recent years, which would put the rotation in bad strength. Now, they wont’ have to worry about Severino going down with injury, as he slides down to the No. 4 slot.
Finally, the No. 5 spot goes to last season’s trade deadline acquisition Frankie Montas. He had dealt with a right shoulder injury during the first half of the season with the Oakland Athletics, and it followed him when he arrived with the Yankees. Through eight starts with New York, Montas recorded a 6.35 ERA, a 1.538 WHIP, 33 strikeouts and 15 walks in 39.2 innings. The hope is that Montas shoulder is healthy entering the season and he can serve as a solid No. 5 starter in the rotation.
With this, the Yankees can have Domingo German as a bench option in case one of the five pitchers above pick up an injury.
But what if it got even better?